Poole Harbour Commissioners

15/10/2026

Local Notices to Mariners issued today:

2026 60 Twin Sails Bridge Maintenance 12-13 November

2026 61 Dredging Operations MDL Cobbs Quay

https://www.phc.co.uk/safety/local-notices-to-mariners/

13/10/2026

We are delighted that the Port of Poole will see an expanded ferry schedule from dfdsukire between Poole and Jersey for 2027, with an earlier start to the season and more opportunities to travel to the Channel Islands.

The new timetable will see 130 return journeys, up from 105 in 2026, with services starting in time for the Easter holidays.

Book your holiday to Jersey for 2027 here: https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/ferry-crossings/ferries-to-jersey/poole-jersey

12/10/2026

Today PHC Pilot, Paul Matson, joined the Captain on Barfleur's bridge to es**rt her out of the Harbour Entrance for the final time.

Paul, who has worked for PHC for over 36 years, was relief skipper on board Tug "Wendy Ann" when Barfleur arrived for the first time in 1992.

He recalls:

"I remember the weather was calm and dry, the atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation amongst the staff as this was a big moment in the history of PHC. Judging by the amount of people who came to watch her arrival along the shore and on the water I think the people of Poole felt the same.

The retired Tug skipper came in so I let him drive which was a turnaround as he'd done most of my training.

One thing sticks in my mind is that a retired Harbour Master came too - and while transiting the Harbour the hydraulic oil from the steering (which someone had overfilled) bubbled out over his shoes and socks, he was not impressed!"

Pictures: Richard Crease

12/10/2026

Brittany Ferries’ Barfleur, the 166-metre RoRo ferry which has served the Poole to Cherbourg route for over a generation, made her final departure from the harbour at 08:30 this morning.

Since her maiden arrival on 4 April 1992, Barfleur has become one of the most recognisable vessels to pass through Poole Harbour.

Over more than three decades, she has carried countless passengers, vehicles and freight across the Channel, playing a crucial role in supporting the local economy, tourism and trade links with France.

The PHC Pilot overseeing Barfleur’s final departure today, Paul Matson, is the very same person who was operating the port tug when she first entered Poole Harbour on 4 April 1992.

Read in full here: https://www.phc.co.uk/barfleur-makes-final-sailing-from-poole/

06/10/2026

In reference to the recent article in the Daily Echo regarding Barfleur’s farewell sailing on Monday 12 October, we would like to clarify that some of the information published in the printed edition does not accurately reflect the full details contained within our Local Notice to Mariners.

The online version of the article has since been updated.

For information regarding the sailing, please only refer to Local Notice to Mariners No. 59/2026 – Traffic Restrictions during Barfleur’s farewell sailing – 12th October:

05/10/2026

🐿️ This week is Red Squirrel Awareness Week!
.and we are incredibly lucky to have a thriving population of around 200–250 endangered red squirrels on Brownsea Island.

Red squirrels are particularly active during spring and autumn, making this a great time of year to try to spot them. With Brownsea Island due to close for the winter on 1 November, there is still time to plan an autumn visit and hopefully catch a glimpse of these wonderful animals, even when they try their hardest to hide underneath a leaf!

Whether you are local to the area or arriving on a cruise into the Port of Poole, Brownsea Island is a truly special place to spend the day immersed in nature and surrounded by an abundance of wildlife.

More information on Red Squirrel Awareness Week: https://squirrelaccord.uk/red-squirrel-awareness-week/

More information on the National Trust free daily guided Red Squirrel walks: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island/events/7f356563-ef6b-43f1-802d-ba35d4e91cc3

Pictures: National Trust Jess Dibden, Mike Brooke, Chris Lacey, Lynne Burningham

,

05/10/2026

Local Notice to Mariners issued today:

2026 59 Traffic Restrictions during Barfleur’s farewell sailing – 12th October

https://www.phc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-59-Traffic-Restrictions-during-Barfleurs-farewell-sailing-%E2%80%93-12th-October.pdf

02/10/2026

Local Notice to Mariners issues today:

2026 56 Bournemouth Pier Maintenance

https://www.phc.co.uk/safety/local-notices-to-mariners/

30/09/2026

Local Notices to Mariners issued today:

2026 54 Poole Harbour Speed Limits

2026 55 Removal of Speed Limit Buoys in Poole Bay, Studland Bay, Swanage and Kimmeridge

https://www.phc.co.uk/safety/local-notices-to-mariners/

30/09/2026

We are sharing the below message from the Environment Agency - South and South West.

We are aware of reports of floating vegetation material in parts of Poole Harbour associated with the Moors at Arne project. As we have opened the area to the tide, some movement of light weight vegetation has occurred within the project area.

Our team are continuing to carry out sediment monitoring in the harbour and have deployed specialist equipment to manage floating vegetation within the project area.

We will continue to work closely with local partners and provide updates as appropriate.

Seen something of concern? Report it to the Environment Agency Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60, available 24 hours a day.

Thank you for your patience while we assess the situation.